Imitation Electric Piano, is a Sterolab side project fronted by Simon Johns and his eclectic crew featuring drummer Ashley Marlowe, Lee Adams, bassist Andrew Blake. The project is mostly vintage instrumental based jazzy space pop, though there are some occasional vocals scattered about by Johns. "Trinity Neon" is filled with mellotrons, sticky bass lines and snappy percussion same formula used the mother ship Stereolab.
The Album begins with "Gin Lane," which starts with an orchestral bang with quirky keys rolling about back with drums and bubbling bass then explodes into a mellow groove
as Johns sings " Good Bye, I'll Never see you, or Hear you again." filled with Snoopy-esque mathematic guitar melodies fluttering about with some calm brass.
Frantic syncopated rhythms construct "An Hour is Sixty Minutes too Long," with a familiar Stereolab groove, as kaleidoscopic compositions create the gentle "Small Science."
Christopher Cordey takes the Hammered Dulcimer for a spin on the sparkling intro to "King's Evil" which then picks up with urgency in space out rollercoaster type fashion, which continues to climax for over 5 minutes.
"Chronicle of a Split Foretold" takes flight with a groovy bass line like a French Sanford and Son.
With intricate drums filled with gentle keys and sharp breaks with sparkles of delicate guitar shimmers.
Guitar laden intro and quirky jams filled with distorted rocking guitars take the helm on “Theme for an Imitation Electric Piano," the band lets loose and delivers some chaotic dream rock.
"Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong" starts off in the Vatican with some choir voices then abruptly jumps to a funky up-tempo groove along with calm guitar that washes gently down stream until heading to a 60's change. The change takes on a chaos only before capable by the Doors. Ladened with maddening intricate melodies and grooves keeping the listener on there toes through out this surreal journey.
"Trinity Neon" comes to close with "Theme for an IEP (Reprise)," with a spacey 70's soul rendition of the for mentioned track.
IEP delivers a relaxing and brilliant disc filled with fun filled jams sure to please all, including Stereolab lovers. |